• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday called on the Philippine National Police to ensure that the May 12 midterm elections will be peaceful and successful in Negros Occidental.
The message was stressed by Lacson during the New Year’s call of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office command staff, chiefs of police, and national support units led by PCol. Rainerio de Chavez at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
“This past year has certainly not been without its challenges, but it has also shown the strength of our resolve as public servants. We have overcome challenges together, and through collaboration and teamwork, we have continued to make strides in maintaining peace and order across our province,” the governor said.
Let us remember the importance of community policing, engaging with the people we serve, building trust, and working hand in hand with our communities to create safe spaces for everyone, Lacson said.
It is through these meaningful connections that we strengthened our communities and their ties with the government, he added.
De Chavez, in his speech, said “this year comes another tougher task (for the PNP), which is the midterm elections,” following the two eruptions of Kanlaon volcano last year.
He again asked for the same collaboration and stronger partnership from the public, to make sure that the election process is peaceful and successful.
With the continued leadership of De Chavez and the NOCPPO command group, with the support and cooperation of the chiefs of police, Lacson said “we will make great strides toward creating a province, where law and order are upheld, and justice is accessible for all.”
He also assured them of the support of the provincial government to all programs and projects of NOCPPO.
Last year, NOCPPO recorded 3,885 crime incidents in Negros Occidental, a reduction of 13.11 percent compared to 4,471 crime incidents reported in 2023.*
